Enoch, Egbert, Einstein, and Edward
Today's post will be about 4 rats who came into our care on the 26th of June 2019. They've had various final outcomes!
The rats arrived as their previous owner could no longer care for them. Sadly, the rats weren't kept in suitable conditions - we don't think it was malicious mistreatment. The rats were kept within close proximity of smokers. As rats have sensitive respiratory systems, it caused significant irritation with some of the rats.
Once they arrived in our care, they were quarantined and monitored for potentially undetected health issues.
We will separate the post into sections regarding an individual rat.
We introduced him to nebulized F10 antiseptic solution BID. Thankfully, his symptoms improved, but therapy was required for life.
The rats arrived as their previous owner could no longer care for them. Sadly, the rats weren't kept in suitable conditions - we don't think it was malicious mistreatment. The rats were kept within close proximity of smokers. As rats have sensitive respiratory systems, it caused significant irritation with some of the rats.
Once they arrived in our care, they were quarantined and monitored for potentially undetected health issues.
We will separate the post into sections regarding an individual rat.
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Enoch:
Enoch arrived as a 2-year-old buck. Fortunately, he had, and still hasn't had any health issues. Due to his old age, we decided it was appropriate to keep Enoch as a sanctuary resident within our permanent mischief of bucks. He absolutely loves living within the mischief and gets on well with all of the rats - until the others try to steal his food.
Einstein:
Einstein arrived as a 2-year-old buck and suffered from symptoms of upper-respiratory irritation, almost definitely as a result of living amongst secondary tobacco inhalation. Due to his age and symptoms, we also decided it was best to keep Einstein as a sanctuary resident. Despite prophylactics once arriving here, Einstein's symptoms were persistent and suggestive of chronic respiratory disease.
Einstein started to present with hormonal and mechanical symptoms commonly associated with pituitary tumours. His symptoms included a decline in balance, loss of motor function in forelimbs, signs of head pain (hiding face and orbital tightening), and polydipsia.
In rats, the pituitary gland (known as the hypophysis) is divided into three parts; adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, and the intermediate lobe. The gland is located at the base of the brain and plays a vital role in hormone production of other endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are responsible for reproduction, metabolic activity, and growth.
Most pituitary tumours are benign adenomas, not malignant adenocarcinomas. Functional adenomas, particularly prolactinomas, can show a considerable positive response from medicinal intervention.
Prolactinomas are one of the more common functional pituitary adenomas in elder rats. They're composed of lactotroph cells and secrete prolactin. Elder rats naturally have an increase in prolactin production as a result of decreased dopamine and hypothalamus activity.
Cabergoline (ergot derivative) is a drug we've used numerous times when rats develop PTs - with varying results. Cabergoline inhibits prolactin production and is a dopamine receptor agonist. It has been documented to shrink some PTs and extend quality of life for up to six months when used in combination with corticosteroids.
We introduced Einstein to subcutaneous Dexadreson/Dexamethasone Bisodium Phosphate injections and Cabergoline.
We introduced Einstein to high Kcal supportive weight-gain soft food diet due to his loss of motor function with his forelimbs.
Unfortunately, Einstein showed minimal response to the medication and his quality of life rapidly declined. We decided it was kindest to have him humanely euthanised.
Einstein passed away on the 13th of August 2019.
Egbert:
Egbert was a lot younger than Einstein and Enoch at around 6-8 months. He presented with no issues throughout quarantine. We decided he would be able to find a forever home with his brother, Edward.
Egbert was a giddy and fun-loving rat with a lot of love to give.
We're pleased to say that Egbert found his forever home!
Edward:
Edward was 6-8 months old and entirely healthy. He had a smashing personality and an instantly lovable character. We decided he was eligible for adoption with Egbert.
Edward found a forever home with his buddy, Egbert.
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